Charmaine KernSerenity Stables

Hometown: Harrodsburg, KYTime at MM: 1996 - 1997Program: Riding Master IICertifications:Riding Instructor CertificationFavorite Class: Riding TheoryFirst Job After Graduation: I took a break in my government career to attend Meredith Manor and pursue my passion for horses and my certifications, so I returned to giving lessons and training part-time until my retirement in 2010. At that time, I spent a couple of years managing a 1300-acre horse ranch in northern California prior to purchasing my own facility.

Current Job:
I currently run a lesson and training program at my farm, Serenity Stables, just outside of Lexington, KY. I also demonstrate and speak as a clinician on various topics at national expos, to include Equitana, Rocky Mountain Horse Expo and Equine Affaire.

Using the classical principles that I learned at Meredith Manor as a foundation for all riding, I teach and train multiple disciplines and have helped countless riders enhance their skills since acquiring my certifications. I have successfully prepared horses and riders in disciplines as diverse as dressage, eventing, reining, pleasure, driving, and long-distance trail. I work with both serious competitors and recreational riders just looking to be safer on the trails. I have started young riders who have gone on to be top national competitors in dressage and eventing, and I have worked with older riders who are fulfilling their dream of owning their first horse.

While teaching is what I love the most, I have found it is important to be well-versed in all aspects of the equine world (training, care, purchasing) to be a successful instructor or run your own facility. It would be difficult to run my lesson program without also having some skills as a trainer, as I must be able to keep my school horses trained, and many times my students’ horses are in need of retraining. Also, clients rely on me to advise on and assist with the purchase of suitable horses for themselves and/or their children.

I chose not to focus on just one discipline because my own riding background is varied, and I have enjoyed working with and owning numerous breeds over the years and competing in many different events. I have been involved in training and certifying mounted police units, I developed a horse badge program that is recognized and endorsed by the Girl Scout Councils, and I am a certified 4-H horse leader for my county. I take a whole horsemanship approach to teaching - safety is the first priority but I also want everyone to learn how to care for and understand their horses.

I have been immersed in the equine world for over 40 years, from fox hunting to packing into the mountains, and my passion is simply to help horses and their riders communicate better in whatever discipline they choose to pursue. My education and certifications from Meredith Manor have been invaluable in pursuing my dream and being recognized as a professional in the horse industry.

What is your favorite takeaway from MM?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Meredith Manor and absorbed all of the riding and teaching theory that I possibly could… one takeaway that I have since found amusing was how good a rider I thought I already was when I arrived (having ridden for over 20 years) and how much my riding changed and improved in that year and how much I learned!

In what ways have your experiences at Meredith Manor impacted your career and who you are today?
My education and certifications from Meredith Manor have been invaluable in pursuing my dream and being recognized as a professional in the horse industry. The riding sessions greatly improved upon and enhanced the many years of experience I already had when I arrived and the coursework taught me how to teach others effectively. I have no doubt that my certifications helped to make me more credible as a national clinician and with the Girl Scout and 4-H organizations.

Any advice for students attending Meredith Manor?
Absorb all that you can. Have an open mind – you’re maybe not as good as you think you are. Pursue continuing education in horse husbandry and business management and develop good customer service skills.